Health problem?

[jakenam]

After collecting a tortoise from a friend to look after this holiday.
I noticed a tail-like thing hanging out the back of the tortoise.
I have contacted the owners of the tortoise and they advised me to sooth it with soap an warm water, however after a few weeks of doing so it doesn't seem to be doing anything.
Does anyone have any idea of how I can treat this and whether it is anything to even worry about.
Thanks, help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi jakenam:

Welcome to the Tortoise forum!!

It sounds like the tortoise may have some sort of prolapse. It it has been going on for "a few weeks" I'm afraid the prognosis doesn't sound too good. Have you been keeping the prolapse moist, or has it been allowed to dry out? This tortoise needs to be seen by a qualified tortoise vet.

Prolapse occurs because the tortoise has been straining. He may have kidney/bladder stones, she may be egg bound, it might be constipated. But if the prolapse has been allowed to dry out, it will have to be amputated.

The prolapse might be the penis, or it could be the bowel and sometimes female tortoises prolapse too. At any rate, it is a medical emergency and the tortoise needs a vet ASAP.